Heat alert: Met Office warns of 30C meltdown as hot weather hits UK

The warm weather has brought with it plenty of health warnings (Picture: PA)

Britain is set for a heatwave this weekend but the Met Office has warned sunseekers to keep cool heads as the mercury rises.

With a ‘Spanish plume’ sweeping up from the south, Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the year with temperatures hitting 30C in London.

Although millions are likely to head out to soak up some rays, experts have placed the country on a level two health watch alert.

Dr Paul Cosford, of Public Health England, said: ‘Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items because they will generate extra heat.’

Also threatening to put a damper on things was Steve Ramsdale of the Met Office.

‘The humidity will make it feel muggy and uncomfortable for many in the heat and people should take steps to keep cool,’ he said.

Revellers heading to the Latitude Festival in Suffolk and cricket fans taking their seats for the second Test at Lord’s are likely to enjoy the very best of the weather but elderly people should take extra care.

Dr Cosford said: ‘It’s long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heatwaves.

‘High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for those who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.’

However, brace yourselves for some stormier times to come as the Met Office has warned of post-heatwave thunder showers arriving on Saturday.